TWO brothers may have to stop selling poppies for the Royal British Legion in the centre of Nantwich because of complaints they are too young.

Although Andrew Mansfield is only 10, he has been helping the RBL's Poppy Appeal for six years. For the past three years he has been joined by his six-year-old brother James.

It has become a custom for them to stand outside their father's shop in Hospital Street, Nantwich, selling poppies on the run up to Remembrance Sunday.

Although the shop has now closed down, they were on the beat as usual this month.

But the Nantwich branch of the Royal British Legion has had complaints that the boys are too young to assist them in this way.

Legion Poppy Appeal organiser Jim Rollins said: 'Unfortunately, it's true that we have had complaints from people who thought the boys were too young to be on the street selling poppies.

'I have had a quiet word with their parents but I don't want to take it any further than that.

'They have done us proud over the years and the current trend is for young people in schools to be encouraged to take an interest in this type of activity.

'I suppose legally they are too young to sell on the streets, but I think it a shame that people have complained.'

The boys' dad, John Mansfield, said: 'It is unbelievable that people can find the time to say this about two little lads who are doing their best to help.

'Over the years they have probably raised about £1,000. People moan about kids being unruly or causing trouble or vandalising things.

'Yet when lads show a willingness to help and show respect for the people who gave their lives in the wars, they still get knocked back.

'But they are determined to carry on and not let a few miseries put them off. Unless we get a definite ruling that they are not going to be allowed to carry on selling their poppies, they will be there again next year.

'For everyone who has complained there must be hundreds who support what they have done.'

Andrew said: 'People have got used to us standing in Hospital Street. They don't just buy poppies, they come and have a chat with us, and some people who have already got poppies just put money in our tins because they are pleased to see we are trying to help.'

The boys first became interested in the Poppy Appeal after hearing from their dad how their late grandfather had served in the Coldstream Guards.